𝚁𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝙶𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚆𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐: 𝙾𝚝𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚅𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜

Chapter 21 {Late Night Reading}

~ Kathryn's P.O.V ~

Inside the dark library, the peaceful hour where I could do my late-night reading. My mother and sister would already be in bed at this hour, giving me the opportunity to relax within my own home.

"Kathryn?" A tap on my shoulder startled me. My heart had skipped a beat before I realized in relief. It was simply my father. He was wrapped in his sleeping robe which I could easily guess he was on his way to hit the hay.

"Father" I nodded though my gaze quickly falls back to the book I was currently reading. I could hear him sigh as he takes a seat beside me. Burying my face into the pages, I tried to hide my irritation. I truly hope to spend the night unbothered—

"Kath, I know I'm disturbing your...time but it's getting really late. You should retire back to your bedroom" he tried to advise me but easily noticed wasn't paying attention. He could only sigh, "It had been a long day. You must be tired"

Feeling quite sympathetic for him and how he's trying to show he cared, I swallowed bits of my pride and glanced at him. "Just an hour more and I'll go to sleep..."

"Ten minutes"

"Two hours" I didn't back down.

"Twenty minutes" he sighed but alas, it was still much too little for me.

"Two hours and a half" a small smirk crept upon my face as I watched him grow more frustrated.

"Fine. My last offer, an hour and that's it" he finally crumbled and I even let a small cheer. "Pleasure making business with you, Father" I happily grinned without even realizing it.

Though I did notice the small smile he gave. Soon after, he stood up from his seat, probably going back to sleep.

"...Goodnight Father" I forced out since I rarely bid him a pleasant night. Feeling quite embarrassed, I buried my face deep into my book.

Soft gentle hands brush upon my green locks as he did also the unexpected and pat my head. "You too, Kath..." And with that, I was once again alone within the dark library. Only the gentle light from the reading lamp to keep me company.

Though I was alone like I wanted, I had completely lost interest in the current book I was reading. It had just lost its appeal. I only sighed and return it back to its shelf.

Now that I am without a book, I dive deeper into the library in search of another book. The small lit candle helps me guide through the darkness as I get deeper and deeper into the library.

The wooden board creak with each step I took, light shiver run through my body but I wasn't backing down. I already made it this far, it would be a waste to not find a nice book to read.

Cling~ Ch-Chling~

Suddenly a soft bell-like sound echoed and bounce from the shelves. And being the rational girl I am......
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I simply turn around and went back. 'There's no way I'm sticking around with some creepy sound!'

My grip on my candle tightens as I quietly rushed back. Although, it seems like the anonymous sound won't be leaving me anytime soon.

Cling~ Ch-Chling~

I could hear it close behind like it's actually following me! And the last I checked, there was no spirits nor poltergeist haunting the Ivan Mansion. My steps soon turned to strides and before I knew it, I was running back in full speed.

Luckily, I managed to return to my reading spot. The one close to the entrance of the library. I slumped upon my seat and took a deep breath. My heart was still beating.